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The premium network has picked up the project for a first season debut next spring (below is the first released photo from the series). Nine episodes plus the pilot have been ordered. Production will begin in Belfast this June.

The sprawling tale set in the mythical land of Westeros tells the story of the noble Stark family who become caught up in high court intrigue when patriarch Eddard (played by Sean Bean) becomes the king's new right-hand man. The four-and-counting books in the series would each be used as one season of the series.

Unlike many fantasy novels, the "Thrones" series largely avoids relying on magical elements and instead goes for brutal realism -- think "Sopranos" with swords. Martin, a former TV writer ("Beauty and the Beast"), writes each chapter as a cliffhanger, which should lend itself well to series translation.

So we'll have at least 10 episodes of one of the best Fantasy series ever finally make it to our televisions. and hopefully what could become of the best Fantasy TV series ever as well. Fingers crossed. It is also interesting to note they are calling it A GAME OF THRONES instead of A SONG OF ICE AND FIRE, but that could all change as production ramps up. The cast is certainly looking very, very good.